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The term "frame" in computing has several distinct meanings depending on the context, including in networking, graphics, programming, and web design. It generally refers to a structural or organizational unit for data or a visual element.

In computer networking

In the context of computer networking, a frame is a digital data transmission unit used at the Data Link Layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model.

Purpose: It encapsulates a network packet with the necessary addressing, synchronization, and error-checking information to transmit it across a physical or local network segment.

Components: A typical frame consists of:

Header: Contains control information, such as the source and destination Media Access Control (MAC) addresses.

Payload: The data packet from the network layer.

Trailer: Includes an error-checking mechanism to ensure data integrity.

Example: An Ethernet frame is the standard frame format used on most wired Local Area Networks (LANs).